Photo – Victoria Zschlommer

A Modern Life At The NGV

Ever wondered where our obsession with styled interiors comes from? This new exhibition of contemporary tableware reveals snapshots of eras past.

Writer
Sally Tabart
30th of March 2018

The NGV presents a new collection of mid-century tableware for their latest exhibition, A Modern Life: Tablewares 1930s – 1980s. The Decorative Arts corridor at the gallery sees 140 never-seen-before tableware pieces, each telling a story of social customs evolving, and decorative items becoming more modern, accessible and usable.

A Modern Life offers a glimpse into the domestic lives of eras past, taking a snapshot of the social and cultural movements over the decades. The exhibition charts the transition to more contemporary attitudes, and chronicles development in a post-war era, punctuated by bold colour, versatility in design, and technical innovation.

‘People were increasingly interested in modernising their homes and creating stylish interiors, using bright pattern, colour and decorative tablewares,’ says Amanda Dunsmore, a senior curator for the NGV, ‘a passion for curated interiors which is still so popular today, was born during this era.’

Reflecting the growth in domestic advancements at this time when women increasingly entering the workforce, the exhibition also showcases the brilliant female designers of that time and their stories.

A Modern Life: Tablewares 1930s – 1980s
March 30th 2018 – January 2019
NGV International
180 St Kilda Road,
Melbourne, Victoria

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